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People of Guam v. Michael John Toves Anderson

2026-09-01

Summary

Holding. The trial court did not abuse its discretion in imposing the maximum allowable three-year sentence of incarceration upon revocation of Anderson's probation. The judgment of conviction is affirmed.

Michael John Toves Anderson was convicted of drug possession and theft by receiving after pleading guilty under a plea agreement that carried a possible maximum sentence of three years imprisonment if he violated his probation. Over approximately five years on probation, Anderson accumulated eight violations, absconded twice, and was the subject of four bench warrants. After a revocation hearing, a different judge than the one who accepted his original plea issued an eleven-page decision revoking his probation and imposing the maximum three-year sentence, citing Anderson's inability to comply with his treatment obligations despite months of court deliberation. Anderson appealed, arguing the sentencing judge abused its discretion by reflexively imposing the maximum sentence without articulating why a lesser sentence would be inadequate and without addressing sentencing alternatives.

The Supreme Court of Guam held that the trial court did not abuse its discretion. Under the plain language of Guam law, sentencing courts have discretion to impose any sentence within the statutory range upon probation revocation. The court's detailed written order addressing Anderson's individual probation history and treatment needs satisfied any requirement for individualized sentencing. The court's months of deliberation and resulting comprehensive decision distinguished this case from reflexive sentencing, and Anderson failed to establish that the court operated under a preconceived policy to impose maximum sentences.

Summary generated by law.co from the public-domain opinion. The opinion text itself is public domain.

Key issues

  • Whether imposing a maximum sentence upon probation revocation without separately articulating why a lesser sentence would be inadequate constitutes abuse of discretion
  • Whether sentencing law requires courts to articulate alternatives to maximum sentences
  • Whether detailed written findings on probation revocation can satisfy individualized sentencing requirements
  • Whether a court's imposition of a maximum sentence constitutes reflexive or predetermined action

Procedural posture

Anderson appealed the Superior Court of Guam's revocation of his probation and imposition of a three-year concurrent sentence following his violation of probation conditions over nearly five years.

Authorities cited

Opinion

majority opinion

IN THE SUPREME COURT OF GUAM

PEOPLE OF GUAM,

Plaintiff-Appellee,

v.

MICHAEL JOHN TOVES ANDERSON,

Defendant-Appellant.

Supreme Court Case No. CRA25-017

Superior Court Case Nos. CF0181-18; CF0261-19

OPINION

Cite as: 2026 Guam 10

Appeal from the Superior Court of Guam

Argued and submitted on March 24, 2026

Hagåtña, Guam

Appearing for Defendant-Appellant: Appearing for Plaintiff-Appellee:

Braddock J. Huesman, Esq. William Lyle Stamps, Esq. (argued)

Razzano Walsh & Torres, P.C. George Raymond Klob, Esq. (briefed)

139 Murray Blvd., Ste. 100 Assistant Attorneys General

Hagåtña, GU 96910 Office of the Attorney General

Appellate & Writing Division

134 W. Soledad Ave., Ste. 302

Hagåtña, GU 96910

People v. Anderson, 2026 Guam 10, Opinion Page 2 of 14

BEFORE: KATHERINE A. MARAMAN, Chief Justice; F. PHILIP CARBULLIDO, Associate

Justice; ROBERT J. TORRES, Associate Justice.

TORRES, J.:

[1] Defendant-Appellant Michael John Toves Anderson appeals the Superior Court’s

judgment of conviction, which sentenced him to three years’ incarceration at the Department of

Corrections (“DOC”) after revoking his probation. Anderson raises a single issue on appeal:

whether the Superior Court abused its discretion by imposing the maximum allowable sentence of

three years’ incarceration without articulating on the record why a lesser sentence would be

inadequate. He does not challenge the revocation of probation, the legality of the sentence, or

whether he was afforded due process. Because the sentencing court imposed a sentence within the

statutory range after months of deliberation, we affirm.

I. FACTUAL AND PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND

[2] A grand jury indicted Anderson in Superior Court Case No. CF0181-18 for possession of

a Schedule II controlled substance (as a third-degree felony) and operating a vehicle without proof

of required registration (as a violation).

[3] While on pretrial release in CF0181-18, Anderson tested positive for methamphetamine.

Record on Appeal [CF0181-18] (“RA-18”), tab 22 at 1–2 (1st Violation Rep., May 24, 2018). This

was his first positive drug test while on pretrial release. The People deemed Anderson legally

eligible to participate in the Adult Drug Court II Program (“ADC II”) in May 2018, but Probation

found him clinically ineligible about a month later.

[4] Anderson violated his pretrial release conditions four times in CF0181-18: a positive drug

test; failure to report to Probation in person three times per week; a new arrest giving rise to

Superior Court Case No. CF0261-19; and another failure to report. RA-18, tab 118 at 2–3 (Dec. People v. Anderson, 2026 Guam 10, Opinion Page 3 of 14

& Order, June 2, 2025); RA-18, tab 22 at 1–2 (1st Violation Rep.); RA-18, tab 26 at 1 (2nd

Violation Rep., July 17, 2018); RA-18, tab 31 at 1 (3rd Violation Rep., May 6, 2019); RA-18, tab

46 at 1 (4th Violation Rep., Oct. 29, 2019).

[5] In CF0261-19, Anderson was indicted with a co-defendant on charges of burglary (as a

second-degree felony), conspiracy to commit burglary (as a second-degree felony), theft by

receiving (as a second-degree felony), and theft by receiving (as a misdemeanor), with each felony

count carrying a notice of commission of a felony while on felony release. Anderson violated the

pretrial release conditions twice in CF0261-19 for failure to report. RA-18, tab 118 at 2–3 (Dec.

& Order); Record on Appeal [CF0261-19] (“RA-19”), tab 47 at 1 (1st Violation Rep., Oct. 28,

2019); RA-19, tab 59 at 1 (2nd Violation Rep., Feb. 13, 2020).

[6] After being found legally eligible but clinically ineligible for ADC II, Anderson was later

reassessed and found to be both clinically and legally eligible for the program.

A. Anderson’s Plea Agreement and Sentencing (July 2020)

[7] Anderson’s change-of-plea hearing occurred in July 2020. Despite his eligibility for ADC

II, Anderson entered a global, non-ADC guilty plea to possession of a Schedule II controlled

substance (as a third-degree felony) in CF0181-18 and theft by receiving (as a misdemeanor) in

CF0261-19. Anderson stated that he could not participate in ADC II “because of transportation

problems.” Transcript (“Tr.”) at 4 (Change of Plea Hr’g, July 10, 2020). As part of the plea, the

People agreed to dismiss the charges for burglary, conspiracy to commit burglary, theft by

receiving (as a second-degree felony), operating a vehicle without proof of required registration,

and all accompanying felony-release enhancements. The trial court noted that Anderson had

received “a good deal.” Id. at 9.

People v. Anderson, 2026 Guam 10, Opinion Page 4 of 14

[8] The plea agreement imposed a sentence of three years’ incarceration at DOC, with all but

30 days suspended, along with five years of supervised probation, court costs of $80.00, a

$5,000.00 fine, 150 hours of community service, 24 self-help meetings, and restitution. The court

noted that the plea agreement stated that all but 30 days would be suspended, but Anderson

explained he had already served “three months.” Id. at 8.

[9] During the change-of-plea colloquy, the court explained the credit-for-time-served

calculation and then stated: “[I]f I find that you continuously violate, and then minus the ninety

days that you’ve done, so you’ll be going to prison for maybe two years and maybe nine months,

if you were to violate -- if I find that you violated.” Id. at 23. The court made this statement

“[s]ubject to verification, . . . credit for time and ninety-plus days, or less.” Id. The trial court also

explained paragraph ten of the written plea agreement: “You understand that if you violate any

conditions of your release or of your probation, that the Court may find you in violation and

sentence you to serve the maximum sentence in this matter, which is three years minus the ninety

days that you’ve done.” Id. at 34; see also RA-18, tab 57 at 10 (Plea Agreement, July 14, 2020).

Anderson acknowledged and agreed to this provision under oath. Tr. at 34 (Change of Plea Hr’g).

[10] The court accepted Anderson’s plea and found him guilty of both charges.

B. Anderson’s Probationary Period and Violations (2020–2025)

[11] Over nearly five years following his plea, Anderson accumulated eight post-judgment

violations, absconded twice, and was the subject of four bench warrants. See RA-18, tab 118 at

4–7 (Dec. & Order).

[12] The People moved to revoke Anderson’s probation and impose a jail sentence. Anderson

objected, requesting treatment rather than confinement.

People v. Anderson, 2026 Guam 10, Opinion Page 5 of 14

C. The Revocation Hearing (March 25, 2025)

[13] Over the five years since Anderson pleaded guilty and entered the plea agreement, the case

was reassigned to a different trial court judge, who presided over the revocation proceedings. Tr.

at 1 (Revocation Hr’g, Mar. 25, 2025). The court held a continued revocation hearing at which

Probation reported that all conditions remained outstanding, and that Anderson’s probationary

period was set to expire approximately four months from the hearing date. Id. at 3–4. Probation

recommended revocation, noting that Anderson “has proved that he can’t do what he has promised

to the Court countless times,” that he had made almost no progress, and had absconded again after

being given another chance at release. Id. at 4.

[14] Anderson argued that he was not initially ordered to receive treatment from the Guam

Behavioral Health and Wellness Center but was later required to after a relapse. Id. Anderson

explained that he could not locate any paperwork confirming a treatment evaluation or self-help

meetings. Id. at 4–5. Anderson also raised two mitigating circumstances regarding community

service. First, the former mayor of Sånta Rita-Sumai wrote a letter to the court stating that the

then-mayor failed to schedule Anderson for community-service hours after his request because of

the mayoral election. Id. at 5. Second, Anderson may have completed community service while

at DOC, but DOC would not credit those hours without a court order. Id. Trial defense counsel

proposed, as an alternative to incarceration, that the court give Anderson until the end of his

probation term (July 9, 2025) to complete the conditions and to apply his approximately 105 days

of then-current custody as a credit against his outstanding fine rather than against any sentence.

Id. Anderson personally addressed the court, apologized for his past failures, and requested one

final opportunity to satisfy his probation conditions. Id. at 6.

People v. Anderson, 2026 Guam 10, Opinion Page 6 of 14

[15] The People renewed their request that Anderson be sentenced to the maximum of three

years’ incarceration, noting that he entered the plea in 2020 and that the court had recently been

able to bring him to court only by bench warrant. Id. at 7.

[16] When addressing Anderson before taking the matter under advisement, the court stated:

“[T]he nice thing is that you agreed that if you fail to follow the terms of probation, that you agree

to be sentenced to the maximum term allowable under the statute charged, and in this particular

case, three years was it.” Id. at 8. The court also framed its consideration of incarceration in terms

of treatment access, stating its hope that Anderson would participate in DOC’s Residential

Substance Abuse Treatment Program (“RSAT”) and noting that prison would provide “that

opportunity without distraction.” Id. The court explained that it is “not that easy to turn around

and sentence someone,” took the matter under advisement, and stated it would issue a decision.

Id. at 9.

D. The Decision and Order and Judgment of Conviction (June 2, 2025)

[17] The court issued a written decision and order revoking Anderson’s probation. RA-18, tab

118 at 1–11 (Dec. & Order). The order reviewed the detailed chronology of all pretrial and postjudgment violations and applied the legal standard under 9 GCA § 80.66(a)(2), requiring a finding

that the defendant “inexcusably failed to comply with a substantial requirement imposed as a

condition of the order” and that revocation “will best satisfy the ends of justice and the best

interests of the public.” Id. at 7–8, 10.

[18] The decision and order identified the treatment condition—not the fine or community

service—as the “substantial requirement” that Anderson had inexcusably failed to satisfy. Id. at

9. The court noted that Anderson’s last confirmed positive methamphetamine test was March 25,

2022, and that the court had been unable to accurately track Anderson’s sobriety progress because, People v. Anderson, 2026 Guam 10, Opinion Page 7 of 14

rather than drug testing Anderson, it had to issue four warrants for his arrest. Id. at 9–10. The

court also acknowledged the letter from the former mayor of Sånta Rita-Sumai explaining the thenmayor’s failure to schedule community-service hours after Anderson’s request. Id. at 9. The order

noted that Anderson had the option to receive two hours of community-service credit for each hour

of counseling but “did not take advantage of this opportunity.” Id. at 10. The court concluded

that, “[b]ased on the Defendant’s performance on probation over the past four years,” it was “not

confident the Defendant will take advantage of a potential extension of probation to complete all

his pending conditions.” Id. The court explained that revocation was in the public’s best interests

and would best serve the ends of justice by imposing incarceration so that DOC’s RSAT program

could assist Anderson’s rehabilitation. Id.

[19] The court’s order did not articulate specific findings as to why a sentence of less than the

maximum would be insufficient and did not expressly address alternatives to the three-year term.

See id. at 11.

[20] The concurrent judgment of conviction sentenced Anderson to three years’ incarceration

at DOC with credit for time served and expressly ordered that Anderson “shall enroll and

participate in the [RSAT] at the Department of Corrections. . .” RA-18, tab 119 at 2 (Judgment of

Conviction, June 2, 2025). The court did not impose any other terms and conditions. Id.

[21] Anderson timely appealed.

II. JURISDICTION

[22] This court has jurisdiction over a criminal appeal from a final judgment of conviction. 48

U.S.C.A. § 1424-1(a)(2) (Westlaw through Pub. L. 119-102 (2026)); 7 GCA §§ 3107, 3108(a)

(2005); 8 GCA §§ 130.10, 130.15(a) (2005).

People v. Anderson, 2026 Guam 10, Opinion Page 8 of 14

III. STANDARD OF REVIEW

[23] “We review the trial court’s imposition of a sentence for abuse of discretion.” People v.

Damian, 2016 Guam 8 ¶ 10 (quoting People v. Diaz, 2007 Guam 3 ¶ 59); accord People v.

Camacho, 2009 Guam 6 ¶ 14. “Sentences imposed following revocation of probation are reviewed

under the same abuse-of-discretion standard that applies to sentences imposed following

conviction.” Camacho, 2009 Guam 6 ¶ 14. “An abuse of discretion results where the sentence ‘is

based on an erroneous conclusion of law or where the record contains no evidence on which the

judge could have rationally based the decision.’” People v. Manila, 2018 Guam 24 ¶ 17 (quoting

People v. Manibusan, 2016 Guam 40 ¶ 12).

[24] “Issues of statutory interpretation are reviewed de novo.” People v. Joshua, 2015 Guam

32 ¶ 20 (quoting People v. Felder, 2012 Guam 8 ¶ 9).

IV. ANALYSIS

[25] Anderson does not dispute the Superior Court’s revocation of probation on appeal, whether

he was afforded due process, or the legality of the sentence. Instead, he argues that the court

abused its discretion because it did not exercise any discretion when it “reflexively” imposed the

maximum sentence and did not address alternatives. Appellant’s Br. at 5–9 (Oct. 2, 2025). He

argues that his sentence was “predetermined.” Id. at 12. He also argues that his sentencing was

not individualized because imposing the maximum sentence is the court’s “preconceived policy.”

Id. at 8–9; Appellant’s Reply Br. at 4 (Dec. 2, 2025). The People generally argue that the trial

court did not abuse its discretion, focusing on the revocation of probation rather than on the

imposition of the sentence.1 Anderson does not oppose the revocation of probation. See Reply

1

The People’s brief focused on issues that Anderson did not raise on appeal. However, at oral argument, the People addressed Anderson’s argument that the court abused its discretion. Digital Recording at 22:59–30:23 (Oral Arg., Mar. 24, 2026).

People v. Anderson, 2026 Guam 10, Opinion Page 9 of 14

Br. at 1. Ultimately, the trial court did not abuse its discretion in imposing the maximum allowable

three-year sentence.

A. Title 9 GCA § 80.66(b) Permits, but Does Not Require, the Sentencing Court to Impose

the Maximum

[26] Anderson argues that 9 GCA § 80.66(b) mandates individualized sentencing and prohibits

imposition of the maximum without explanation. Appellant’s Br. at 7, 9; Reply Br. at 2. At oral

argument, the People argued that the record contains ample evidence establishing the sentence was

individualized, citing the court’s eleven-page decision and order, the months of deliberation, and

the court’s consideration of Anderson’s probation history. See Digital Recording at 22:59–30:23

(Oral Arg., Mar. 24, 2026).

[27] Resolution of Anderson’s argument turns on the meaning of section 80.66(b), which

governs the sentencing court’s authority on revocation of probation. “[I]t is a cardinal rule of

statutory construction that courts must look first to the language of the statute itself. Absent clear

legislative intent to the contrary, the plain meaning prevails.” People v. Cruz, 2021 Guam 10 ¶ 12

(quoting Sumitomo Constr., Co. v. Gov’t of Guam, 2001 Guam 23 ¶ 17). “If a statute is

unambiguous, then the judicial inquiry into the meaning of the statute is complete.” Id. (quoting

People v. Lau, 2007 Guam 4 ¶ 14). “We make this determination based on the statute’s language,

the context in which it is used, and the broader context of the statute as a whole, including its object

and policy.” People v. Walliby, 2024 Guam 13 ¶ 10.

[28] The plain meaning of 9 GCA § 80.66(b) is that sentencing courts can exercise discretion

upon probation revocation: “When the court revokes a suspension or probation, it may impose on

the offender any sentence that might have been imposed originally for the crime of which he was

convicted.” 9 GCA § 80.66(b) (2005). In People v. Camacho, this court explained:

People v. Anderson, 2026 Guam 10, Opinion Page 10 of 14

The language in the plea agreement is clear that the trial court was

authorized to sentence Camacho up to a term of three years upon the violation of

his conditions of probation. This is consistent with 9 GCA § 80.66(b) because the

trial court could have originally sentenced Camacho to three years imprisonment

for his conviction.

Because Camacho’s sentence is the precise term he agreed to serve in the

[Deferred Plea Agreement] and is authorized by the relevant sentencing statute for

his offense, we find that the trial court did not abuse its discretion in sentencing

Camacho as it did.

2009 Guam 6 ¶¶ 42–43. Subsection 80.66(b) neither mandates nor prohibits the imposition of the

maximum sentence upon revocation of probation. See id.

[29] This reading is also consistent with our prior interpretation of 8 GCA § 60.80(c), which

regulates plea bargaining. Subsection 60.80(c) reads: “If the court accepts the plea agreement, the

court shall inform the defendant that it will embody in the judgment and sentence the disposition

provided for in the plea agreement or another disposition more favorable to the defendant than that

provided for in the plea agreement.” 8 GCA § 60.80(c) (2005). In People v. Tedtaotao, we

explained: “[W]hen a trial court accepts a plea agreement, it is not necessarily bound to the

sentencing terms; it can impose the agreed-upon sentence, or it can impose something more

favorable to the defendant.” 2023 Guam 21 ¶ 17 n.7 (citing 8 GCA § 60.80(c)).

[30] Anderson argues that sentences must be individualized. Appellant’s Br. at 9; Reply Br. at

2. “[I]n noncapital cases, the established practice of individualized sentences rests not on

constitutional commands, but on public policy enacted into statutes.” Lockett v. Ohio, 438 U.S.

586, 604–05 (1978). Title 9 GCA § 80.66(b) is part of the statutory scheme adopted by the

Legislature to ensure that all defendants receive individualized sentences. See, e.g., 9 GCA

§ 80.39.1 (added by P.L. 33-022:2 (May 7, 2015)) (permitting sentencing courts to depart from

mandatory minimum, considering defendant’s individualized circumstances); 9 GCA § 80.60(c) People v. Anderson, 2026 Guam 10, Opinion Page 11 of 14

(as amended by P.L. 32-074:2 (Nov. 27, 2013)) (listing factors for consideration in revoking

probation).

[31] The plain meaning of 9 GCA § 80.66(b) permits discretionary sentencing upon revocation

of probation. See Camacho, 2009 Guam 6 ¶ 42. Also consistent with 8 GCA § 60.80(c), a trial

court accepting a plea agreement may impose the agreed-upon sentence or one more favorable to

the defendant. Tedtaotao, 2023 Guam 21 ¶ 17 n.7. While Guam has only adopted factors relevant

to the revocation of probation, see 9 GCA § 80.60(c); Damian, 2016 Guam 8 ¶ 24, the factors a

court considers in revoking probation may in some cases be similar to the factors relevant to

imposing a sentence, compare 9 GCA § 80.60(c), with People v. Castro, 2013 Guam 20 ¶ 62

(explaining breadth of information which may be considered at sentencing). Because the

sentencing court’s detailed findings on revocation addressed Anderson’s individual circumstances,

probation history, and treatment needs, those findings establish that the sentence was

individualized. The court did not have to articulate separately why a lesser sentence would be

inadequate.

[32] “It is axiomatic that the imposition of sentences within the statutory limits lies almost

entirely within the discretion of the trial judge.” Diaz, 2007 Guam 3 ¶ 67 (quoting United States

v. Stull, 743 F.2d 439, 448 (6th Cir. 1984)); Manila, 2018 Guam 24 ¶¶ 12–13; see also Castro,

2013 Guam 20 ¶ 61. Thus, the sentencing court did not abuse its discretion in imposing a sentence

within the statutory range after months of deliberation.

B. Anderson’s Arguments that the Sentencing Court Acted “Reflexively” Are Unavailing

[33] Anderson argues that the court imposed his sentence “reflexively.” See Appellant’s Br. at

5; Reply Br. at 3. But the judge who accepted Anderson’s guilty plea was not the same judge who

later revoked his probation. Anderson argues the second judge deferred to the first judge’s People v. Anderson, 2026 Guam 10, Opinion Page 12 of 14

comments at the change-of-plea hearing five years earlier. These comments, however, tracked the

language of paragraph ten of the plea agreement, which Anderson acknowledged under oath.

Anderson’s argument that the sentence was “reflexive” might have been more persuasive if the

same judge had imposed the sentence five years later and the court had decided his sentence from

the bench at the revocation hearing—this may have shown more reflexive action than the exercise

of discretion. But that did not happen. Instead, the second judge took the matter under advisement

for several months before issuing an eleven-page decision and order detailing the bases for

revoking probation and imposing the sentence. RA-18, tab 118 at 1–11 (Dec. & Order).

Considering the matter for months and elaborating in detail on a decision does not show “reflexive”

action. Although the trial court had an alternative course of action available, its decision was

allowable. See Tedtaotao, 2023 Guam 21 ¶ 17 n.7.

C. Anderson’s “Preconceived Policy” Argument Similarly Fails

[34] Anderson argues his sentence was not individualized because imposing the maximum is

the court’s “preconceived policy.” Appellant’s Br. at 8–9 (citing United States v. Barker, 771 F.2d

1362, 1395 (9th Cir. 1985)); Reply Br. at 4 (citing United States v. Lopez-Gonzales, 688 F.2d 1275,

1276–77 (9th Cir. 1982)). At oral argument, Anderson argued that the involvement of two judges,

combined with general knowledge of proceedings in similar cases, demonstrates a preconceived

sentencing policy. See Digital Recording at 30:40–31:40 (Oral Arg.).

[35] However, this court has explained, “Although the trial court may consider a wide range of

information, . . . it is not required to take into account all factors that may be considered relevant.”

Damian, 2016 Guam 8 ¶ 23; Manila, 2018 Guam 24 ¶ 12. Anderson does not argue why this court

should depart from this rule.

People v. Anderson, 2026 Guam 10, Opinion Page 13 of 14

[36] The sentencing court did not impose a sentence exceeding the People’s recommendation

like in United States v. Barker, 771 F.2d 1362 (9th Cir. 1985). In Barker, the government

recommended different sentences for the defendants who pleaded guilty to drug smuggling. 771

F.2d at 1364. The district court rejected the government’s recommendations and sentenced each

defendant to the maximum, despite each defendant having a different involvement in the drugsmuggling operation. Id. The Ninth Circuit concluded that the sentences were not individualized.

Id. at 1365–67. By contrast, the sentencing court here did not exceed the People’s recommendation

because the People recommended the maximum. See Tr. at 7 (Revocation Hr’g); see also People

v. Piyelit, 2022 Guam 16 ¶¶ 14, 51–55 (affirming a sentence of the maximum of six years’

incarceration after the People recommended that maximum sentence).

[37] The sentencing court also did not have a preconceived sentencing policy. In United States

v. Lopez-Gonzales, 688 F.2d 1275 (9th Cir. 1982), the Ninth Circuit concluded that the district

court had a preconceived sentencing policy because it “had stated that it automatically imposed

the maximum sentence whenever an illegal alien is apprehended after flight and pursuit.” Barker,

771 F.2d at 1365 (discussing Lopez-Gonzales). The court explained, “[A]ppellate courts have

vacated sentences reflecting a preconceived policy always to impose the maximum penalty for a

certain crime.” Lopez-Gonzales, 688 F.2d at 1277 (collecting cases).2 Unlike in the cases collected

by the court in Lopez-Gonzales, the sentencing court here did not make explicit comments on the

2

United States v. Lopez-Gonzales, 688 F.2d 1275, 1277 (9th Cir. 1982) (“See, e.g., United States v. Clements, 634 F.2d 183, 187 (5th Cir. 1981) (no indication that judge considered any mitigating or aggravating circumstances before imposing maximum sentence for drug offense; mechanical attitude towards sentencing was prima facie established by sentencing court’s prior record in similar cases); United States v. Hartford, 489 F.2d 652, 655–56 (5th Cir. 1974) (trial court’s comments reflected a rigid policy of imposing maximum sentence on narcotics distributors); Woosley v. United States, 478 F.2d 139, 140, 143-45 (8th Cir. 1973) (en banc) (trial court stated that it had sentencing policy in cases of refusing induction into military, and study showed that policy was to always impose maximum sentence); United States v. Daniels, 446 F.2d 967, 971–72 (6th Cir. 1971) (judge stated that he always imposed maximum sentence on those refusing to obey orders of draft board); United States v. McCoy, 429 F.2d 739, 742–43 (D.C. Cir. 1970) (district judge announced he would sentence to life imprisonment anyone convicted by a jury of armed robbery).”).

People v. Anderson, 2026 Guam 10, Opinion Page 14 of 14

record stating a preconceived sentencing policy, and Anderson does not provide evidence that the

sentencing court consistently imposed the maximum sentence despite the government’s

recommendations. Just because the first judge said Anderson would be sentenced to the maximum

minus time served if he violated probation, and the second judge imposed the same sentence, does

not—on its own—amount to a “preconceived policy.” Thus, Anderson’s argument that the

sentencing court acted with a preconceived policy here is unavailing.

[38] Accordingly, the trial court imposed the maximum three-year sentence within its “largely

unlimited” discretion. See Manila, 2018 Guam 24 ¶ 12; Diaz, 2007 Guam 3 ¶ 67.

V. CONCLUSION

[39] The Superior Court imposed a sentence within the statutory range after months of

deliberation and considered Anderson’s probation history. The record does not support

Anderson’s characterization of the sentence as reflexive or the product of a preconceived policy.

We AFFIRM the judgment of conviction.

/s/ /s/

F. PHILIP CARBULLIDO ROBERT J. TORRES

Associate Justice Associate Justice

/s/

KATHERINE A. MARAMAN

Chief Justice